هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ عَلَقَةٍ ثُمَّ يُخْرِجُكُمْ طِفْلًا ثُمَّ لِتَبْلُغُوٓا۟ أَشُدَّكُمْ ثُمَّ لِتَكُونُوا۟ شُيُوخًا ۚ وَمِنكُم مَّن يُتَوَفَّىٰ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ وَلِتَبْلُغُوٓا۟ أَجَلًا مُّسَمًّى وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ 67
Translations
It is He who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot; then He brings you out as a child; then [He develops you] that you reach your [time of] maturity, then [further] that you become elders. And among you is he who is taken in death before [that], so that you reach a specified term; and perhaps you will use reason.
Transliteration
Huwa alladhī khalaqakum min turābin thumma min nutfatin thumma min 'alaqatin thumma yukhrijukum tiflan thumma litablughū ashiddakum thumma litakūnū shuyūkhan wa-minkum man yutawaffā min qablu wa-litablughū ajalan musammā wa-la'allakum ta'qilūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the stages of human creation and development, from dust (referring to Adam's creation and the dust from which mankind originates) through the fetal stages (nutfah - sperm drop, 'alaqah - clinging clot), birth as an infant, reaching maturity (ashiddah), old age, and finally death at an appointed term. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this sequential description demonstrates Allah's perfect power and wisdom, serving as evidence for monotheism and resurrection. The concluding phrase 'wa-la'allakum ta'qilūn' (perhaps you will use reason) calls humanity to reflect upon these signs and recognize their Creator's omnipotence.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Ghafir (a Meccan chapter revealed in Mecca before the Hijrah), which focuses on divine attributes, particularly forgiveness and mercy, alongside warnings about denying truth. The ayah fits within the broader Meccan theme of using natural signs and creation as proof of Allah's existence and uniqueness, addressing the polytheists who denied resurrection and the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 3208: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Each of you is created in the womb of his mother for forty days as a nutfah (sperm-drop), then for another forty days as an 'alaqah (clot), then for another forty days as a mudghah (lump of flesh).' This hadith elaborates on the fetal stages mentioned in the ayah. Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah relates that the Prophet taught about respecting the elderly, connecting to the mention of old age (shuyūkh) in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to contemplate their own creation as undeniable proof of Allah's existence and absolute power, fostering humility and gratitude at each life stage. For modern readers, it emphasizes that recognizing the miracle of human development—from conception to old age—should inspire reverence toward the Creator and mindfulness of our finite existence and ultimate return to Him.